Monthly Archives: March 2015

Lantana Camara

Lantana is a genus of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa but exist as an introduced species in numerous areas, especially in the Australian-Pacific region. The genus includes both herbaceous plants and shrubs. Lantana is a sun loving annual plant characterized by sprawling growth, rough textured leaves and flower heads with dozens of tiny blooms, often in multi-colors of yellow, pink, orange, and white. Often the older outer flowers of each cluster are of a different hue than the younger, inner ones.

Common lantana (Lantana camara) is the most widely grown species in the garden. Its plants tend to be large and mound shaped, although some have spreading habit. Leaves are aromatic when bruised. Many cultivars and hybrids are available, including dwarf and trailing plants,

Trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis) is another specie of the genus that is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is best known for its colorful lavender to purple flowers and its drought tolerance. Often used as ground cover or trailing plant for containers and in the ground.

Lantana “New Gold”

New Gold Lantana (Lantana x hybrid ‘New Gold’) is a fast-growing annual with arching stems and profuse yellow-gold flowers. The compact bushes, growing up to 2 feet high and 4 feet across, bloom with yellow golden flower clusters resembling small bouquets. New Gold Lantana is one of many sterile hybrid varieties developed from the Common Lantana. ‘New Gold’ blooms profusely but never form berries. This ensures continuous flowering with minimum amount of upkeep.

Bright, all yellow flowers, spreading habit.

A sterile cultivar that does not produce berries.

Flowers year-round.

Lantana ‘Dallas Red’

The Dallas Red Series (Lantana camara ‘Dallas Red’) is a shrub like lantana. It is one of the more compact lantana hybrids, growing taller than the trailing varieties, but not as wide. It features tricolor flowers that open all-red and only turn to orange and yellow with age, giving ‘Dallas Red’ the distinction of having the truest-red flowers of the available lantana hybrids. Dallas Red Lantanas offer brilliant color to beds and containers all season long and may be trained into tree-like standards in tropical zones.

Upright, compact growth habit.

Tricolor red, orange, and yellow flower.

Great show of flowers that last from spring till frost.

Remain constant bloomers in zones with hot climates.

Purple Trailing Lantana

Purple Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis), also commonly known as weeping lantana, is prized for its low, spreading growth habit and the clusters of purple flowers it produces. This lantana, which grows as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 and as an annual in other regions. Trailing lantana makes a great ground cover in tough areas.

Lantana ‘Lucky’

Lucky series (Lantana camara ‘Lucky’) has a dwarf habit. It does not grow as vigorously compares to other cultivars. The series contains four shades of yellow and White. This dwarf form is a winner for containers and baskets and ideal for massin or along a pathway or border. Remains neat and tidy all season with little care.

In the Garden

Lantana is a wonderful and very colorful decorative plant for outdoor use on the patio or balcony. It can be grown as a potted tree, or planted as a bush and allowing the stems to spill over. An excellent annual for cold winter climates, and evergreen in frost-free climates

Species that with a trailing growth habit is often use as groundcover or tumbling from hanging baskets. Perfectly suited for erosion control, hillsides, borders, or containers. The small ground cover varieties work well when planted in mass.

Characteristics:

Fragrant.

Bloom profusely from spring until frost.

Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer Resistant.

Colorful and heat-loving. Drought tolerant.

Warning: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Its berries are poisonous to humans and leaves are highly toxic to animals. This applies for all varieties of Lantana. Care should be taken when handling the plant due to the possibility of skin irritation or allergic reaction.

Caring & Growing

Temperature

Top growth winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 (roots hardy to Zone 9).

Light

Best grown under in full sun

Soil

Very tolerant to poor soils and can be Easily grown as bedding plants in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. If planting in the ground with a heavy clay soil, sand or a coarse bark my need to the added and thoroughly incorporated. If potted or planted in baskets a bagged commercial potting mix can be used.

Watering

Newly planted lantanas will need to be kept moist for the first few weeks until the roots have spread into the surrounding soil. Water well after planting and continue giving supplemental water for several weeks as the lantana establishes roots.

Once established, lantanas are drought tolerant, but performance, bloom, and growth rate will be reduced if they are too dry for a long period. For best results, water regularly throughout the entire growing season. In particular, during the blooming period, give plant a thorough watering once a week if they do not receive an inch of rain that week. Avoid overhead watering. Overly frequent overhead watering can make plant more susceptible to diseases and root rot.

Fertilization

Lantana requires little fertilizer. Fertilize lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring when planting will usually be sufficient. Vigorously growing plants may be fertilized again in mid summer, provided plants are not water stressed. Lantanas respond well to liquid and slow release fertilizers.

Excessive fertilizer may encourages foliage growth at the expense of blooms while at the same time make plants more susceptible to disease.

Pruning

Perennial lantanas should be pruned back hard in spring (March) to remove old growth and prevent woodiness. Cut back to about 6 to 12 inches from ground level. Avoid hard pruning in fall as this can cause reduced cold hardiness.

During summer, prune lantana periodically by lightly shearing the tip growth to encourage repeat blooming. Plants that have become too large for their allotted space may be pruned back by up to a third of their height and spread. Water and lightly fertilize newly cut back plants and they will return to bloom quickly.

Verbena hybrida

Verbena is a genus in the family Verbenaceae. It contains about 250 species of annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-woody flowering plants. The majority of the species are native to the Americas and Europe. Some species, hybrids and cultivars of verbena are used as ornamental plants.

The hybrid Verbena x hybrida, commonly called garden verbena, with its many cultivars is widely popular in the garden. It is a short-lived perennial that is noted for its profuse bloom of small five-petaled flowers in rounded clusters (to 3″ wide) from late spring to fall on plants ranging in size from mat-forming/trailing (to 10″ tall) to bushy/upright.

Verbena “Tuscany”

Tuscany series has a compact, mounding habit. The bold rose with white center flowers of Tuscany series make it both unique and very striking. Verbena are a long blooming annual. Tuscany verbena blooms in an array of colors, from white to burgundy to rose and even shades of peach.

Verbena “Aztec”

Verbena in this series were bred to be uniform and early to flower, and while they should perform well nationwide, the early blooming makes them especially suitable for Southern regions where the spring selling season begins before the start of long days.

Like most verbenas, Aztec series is drought tolerant and resilient to summer heat and humidity but will perform well in cooler temperatures too. It prefers full sun and moderately fertile, amply drained soil. It is great for containers, hanging baskets, edging, and borders. They are heavy-blooming, densely-branched and have feathery, medium green foliage that is mildew-resistant.

Verbena “Quartz XP”

The Quartz XP series is a selection of Quartz genetics that combine into a more well-matched series that benefits both grower and gardener alike. It includes the core, top-selling varieties that have been selected for consistent early flowering and a tight 6-7 day blooming window, which is up to a week earlier than the original Quartz varieties. Plants also branch earlier and have shorter internodes, translating to a bushier habit that supports the large, colorful flowers.

Verbena “Obsession”

The Obsession Series of verbena are trailing, vigorous, tender perennials that also make excellent annuals in colder regions. They are heavily-branched plants with dainty, lobed leaves. From late spring through fall, they bear rounded clusters of flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, blue, or white, often with contrasting white eyes. Obsession Series verbenas prefer sun and well-drained, moist, moderately fertile soil, but will tolerate dry conditions. They are great for planters, hanging baskets, edging, and borders.

Verbena “EduraScape”

This hardy landscape verbena is hardy to the low teens and reblooms in Spring. EnduraScape revs up the color with seven high-octane varieties. Superior branching: finished product has full habit with high bloom count in gallon containers. Excellent powdery mildew resistance.

Verbena “Homestead Purple”

Homestead Purple is listed as a cultivar of Verbena canadensis, which grows wild throughout the southeast, including all of Arkansas, and ranges as far north as Zone 5 in Iowa. The species is a perennial, but a temperamental one that is very particular about its exposure and drainage, especially during the winter.

Providing excellent colorful dense groundcover for foreground plant, this rampant perennial grows to 3-feet wide and a foot tall and is topped with a mass of bright purple blooms that start in the spring and continue until frost. Large, fragrant flower clusters top ground hugging stems with attractive toothed foliage.

Since its introduction in the early 1990s, Homestead Purple has sparked widespread interest in all things verbena and has spurred the introduction of over 40 new hardy types.

In the Garden

It can be grown easily as a ground cover among other taller plants or in a rock garden; or it can be used to add color to a lawn or garden through much of the summer.

Caring & Growing

Temperature

Light

Verbenas should be grown where they will receive full sun for a minimum of 8-10 hours each day except in the hottest summer regions, where they will appreciate some shading in the afternoon.

Soil

The main soil requirement is for excellent drainage. Verbenas will not survive extended periods of soggy soil.

Verbenas are tolerant of poor soil, but they will grow and flower best if you mix in compost, peat moss or other organic material to the planting hole before setting in your new plant.

Watering

Water regularly and thoroughly until your Verbenas are well established. While the verbena flower is drought resistant, the blooms are improved with regular watering of an inch or so each week. Water verbena plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.

Fertilization

A limited application of complete, slow-release fertilizer should be applied in spring and again following the occasional trims needed for optimum bloom.

Misc. Maintenance

Young plants may be pinched to promote bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom.

Adenium obesum

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that is native to the semi- arid, sub-Saharan regions of eastern and southwestern Africa plus the Arabian peninsula. Other Common names include Desert Azalea, Mock Azalea, Sabi Star, Impala Lily and Kudu Lily.

In the Garden

In the wild, this plant will eventually rise to 6-9′ tall, but will grow much smaller in containers. In the wild, flowers bloom in summer with some irregular continued bloom throughout the year. As houseplants, flowers typically bloom only in summer. Milky plant sap is poisonous.

Characteristics:

This plant is resistant to deer.

Caring & Growing

Adeniums are relatively easy to care for as long as you think of your plant as actually being two quite different plants with different requirements at different times of the year. In the warmth of summer, while in full growth, they should be treated as a tropical plant, watered abundantly and frequently and fertilized with a fair amount of generosity. In the winter time they need a dry rest, and should be treated like a cactus, with only light occasional waterings during warm bright days. In containers, desert rose is best grown in a loose, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil mix in full sun. Regular applications of fertilizer in spring will help promote flowering. Plants can be left outdoors in sunny locations during the summer.

Temperature

Winter hardy to USDA Zone 11. South of USDA Zone 11, Adeniums should be grown in containers and overwintered indoors. As soon as temperatures begin to dip below 55 degrees in autumn, bring containers indoors to sunny but cool locations with reduced watering. In warmer areas in the Southern region, a covered porch near the house can work for overwintering Adeniums. However, if outside temperatures are expected to drop to the twenties, outside plants under should be moved or covered. Plants usually lose their leaves in winter and go into a dormancy-like period at low temperature. During dormancy, plant is to be kept completely dry (both from rain and watering) and absolutely frost free.

Light

Adenium obesum needs the maximum amount of light available, up to and including full sun, during its growing season. During this time Adeniums should be grown in very bright light; and if the plant is large enough, in full, blazing sun. As a general rule, if the plant requires a ten-inch or larger pot, it should do well in full sun; otherwise, it should be grown under filtered sunlight like that under the canopy of a branched tree. At the end of the growing season, with the lowering of temperatures, Adeniums will drop their leaves and go dormant. They do not need much light at this time, but they should not be put in the dark.

Soil

Adeniums should be potted in a well-drained soil mix. Any light commercial mix can start as a base, but should be augmented with about 1/3 to 1/2 drainage material such as coarse (screened and washed) sand, clean poultry grit, gravel, or sponge rock (such as Perlite). If you use a peat-based mix, you should repot into fresh soil about every two years. Planting container must have good drainage (be sure the saucer doesn’t retain water). The pot should only be a bit larger than the size of the root mass. Increase the pot size every year or two until the plant achieves the desired size.

Watering

Apply regular moisture during periods of growth, but allow soils to dry between waterings. Adeniums, like all succulent plants, have the ability to store water. In their native habitat they live and grow only on the available rainfall, storing water in wet times to sustain them through drought. In extreme drought, even during the growing season, they can drop their leaves and become “drought dormant”, only to re-leaf with the first available moisture. These arid conditions do not adversely affect the plants other than to cause them to grow more slowly.

Fertilization

Adeniums respond well to generous and regular fertilizing. Prefer time released fertilizer over liquid feed. Always water Adenium slightly before feeding in order to avoid leaf drop and root burn. Fertilize plant espacially after it flowers. Adeniums can be fertilized with what amounts to a full strength application of a general purpose fertilizer every two weeks. Alternatively, under most home conditions, and only if the plant is healthy, a half strength solution applied once a month during the growing season (April – October) of any available house plant food will be adequate.

Chaenomeles speciosa

Chaenomeles speciosa (commonly known as flowering quince, Chinese quince, or Japanese quince) is a dense, broad-rounded, deciduous shrub with often-tangled, spiny, gray-brown twigs. It is native to eastern Asia.The flowers are usually red, but may be white or pink.

Cultivar “Double Take”

Unlike the more common variety of flowering quince, the Double Take series hybrid are thorn-less and fruitless, featuring large, double, Camellia-like flowers with yellow centers and layers of overlapping petals. It tends to blossom early in spring and is hardy in zones 5-8.

In the Garden

This relatively carefree, drought tolerant series of quince is easy to arrange. Its compact, spreading habit makes it ideal as a specimen, espalier, or hedge.

Characteristics:

Spectacular early season display of large, fragrant, bright colored blooms in the garden.

Reaches 3 to 4 feet. tall and wide.

Deer resistant

Caring & Growing

Temperature

USDA hardiness zone : 5 to 8

Light

Can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Full sun will produce the most blooms.

Once established, Quince is a very drought tolerant plant.

Soil

Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained loams.

Watering

Depending on rainfall, new plants need to be watered weekly through the first growing season. When watering, soak the soil thoroughly rather than just keeping the surface moist. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the ground resulting in a sturdier plant with more drought tolerance. During hot spells thoroughly soaking the ground up to 8″ every few days. As a guide, water the plant whenever top 2 to 4 inch of soil is dry.

Once established, needs only occasional watering.

Fertilization

Use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, when the plant is growing, or apply compost as a soil amendment. Established trees should be fertilized every 2-3 years.

Misc. Maintenance

Little pruning is needed unless training them against a wall. Prune after flowering to shape if needed.

Ilex cornuta

The Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is a species of the genus Ilex in the plant family Aquifoliaceae, native to eastern China and Korea. It is a large, evergreen shrub with lustrous dark green, often spiny, blocky to oval-shaped leaves, 2 to 3 inches long and about 10 feet high. The fruits are red berries that are larger than those of the European Holly (Ilex aquifolium). Chinese holly is also called horned holly.

Several cultivars and hybrids have been introduced by the horticultural trade, including ‘Burfordii’ (compact and free-fruiting), ‘Dazzler’ (large fruits), ‘Dwarf Burfordii’ (particularly compact), and ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ (a hybrid with I. aquifolium, very free-fruiting).

Dwarf Burfordii Holly (Dwarf Burford Holly)

Dwarf Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii Compacta’), just as its name suggests, is a dwarf version of the Burford Holly, which is another very popular and widely used landscape holly. While the regular Burford grows quite large, often reaching 10 to 25 feet, Dwarf Burford has a much compact form, reaching only between 6 to 8 feet in mature form, making it an obvious choice for smaller situations. It blends in well almost any place where there’s a sunny area and makes an outstanding low hedge, accent or foundation planting. The bright red berries usually appear when the plant is well-established.

A compact variety of Chinese holly

6 to 8 feet in height.

In the Garden

Hollies are grown for their leaves, which are often spiny and glossy, and their colorful berries, which often attract birds. Their flowers are small and rather inconspicuous.

Grow hollies in a woodland garden, as specimens, as hedges, or in rock gardens, depending on the species.

Characteristics:

Glossy green leaves.

Extremely heat and drought tolerant.

Showy bright red berries.

Attracts bees and birds.

Caring & Growing

Temperature

Chinese holly will grow in full sun to partial shade in USDA hardiness zones 7-9.

Light

Does well in full sun or part shade.

Soil

Adaptive to many soil types, from light sand to light clay.

For better growth, amend the soil by adding topsoil or organic peat humus to the hole during planting. Organic composted can also be used to enrich the soil around the root ball.

Watering

Chinese hollys are drought tolerant and have very limited water needs.

After planting, water frequently to keep the soil evenly moist until it starts to grow vigorously on its own. Decrease the watering amount and frequency as soon as the plant become established, allowing the ground to dry out. Chinese hollys can usually survive on rainwater alone after it starts growing on its own.

Fertilization

Fertilize 3 times a year – spring, summer and fall- wth a quality granular fertilizer.

Zantedeschia aethiopica

The genus Zantedeschia (Common name Calla Lily) consist of eight species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi. The colourful flowers and leaves are highly valued, and both species and cultivars are widely used as ornamental plants.

Zantedeschia aethiopica (Common name White Calla or White Arum Lily) is the botanical name for the white colored variety. White calla lilies are able to grow at cooler temperatures than other callas (50 degrees), slower to go dormant and can tolerate wet conditions. Various cultivars are available. This plant can be grown as a marginal aquatic.

Zantedeschia rehmanii (Common name Pink Calla or Pink Arum Lily) is the botanical name for the pink colored variety. It is a smaller plant than the white or yellow varieties. Its long, tapered leaves are deep green, often with faint white spots. The spathe is mauve to rose-purple with paler margins, enclosing a yellow spadix.

Work best when placed along back lines of landscaping, framing shorter flowers planted in the front rows of flowerbeds. The plants’ sturdy, green leaves provide a backdrop as you bring additional color to the garden. Callas also work well in an area of high humidity, such as that surrounding a pond. Calla lilies may be planted in up to 12″ of water in mud at the edge of ponds or water gardens.

In Container:

Callas grows well in well-drained containers. Growing calla lilies in containers allows the flexibility to use them to decorate outdoor living spaces such as a patio or deck with a touch of the tropics. In addition to colorful blooms, some calla lilies have leaves with white spots, adding a textural aspect to their decoration. Using containers also allows the callas to be easily moved without digging them up, since in a cold climates, moving callas indoors helps them survive winter.

Characteristics:

Average between 1 and 3 feet high and have a diameter of approximately 1 to 1 and 1/2 feet when fully grown.

All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. They contain a poisonous ingredient called oxalic acid. Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. If this plant is ingested, a poison control center should be called immediately.

Caring & Growing

Calla lilies are easy to grow and are generally grown from a bulb or rhizome. It should be planted rather deep, about 4 inches for greater results, and spaced approximately a foot apart. Once planted, the area should be watered well.

Temperature

Winter hardy to USDA Zone 8, and may survive some Zone 7 winters with protection. If grown indoors, it performs well at an average indoor temperature.

Light

The calla lily flower requires part shade in warmer climates, and full sun in cooler climates. If growing indoors, require bright indirect sunlight.

Soil

Watering

Keep the calla lily flower’s potting soil damp at all times. At the same time, do not over water as the plant’s bulb may rot.

Fertilization

Adopt a regular monthly fertilizing schedule, either through liquid fertilizer in the water or compost in the soil, to ensure better blooming. Stop fertilizing once the calla lily plant has bloomed. Burnt leaf edges is an indication of overfeeding.

Misc. Maintenance

Re-pot or replant in new soil every year helps to improve plants health.

Acca sellowiana

Pineapple Guava (Acca sellowiana) is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is native to the highlands of southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, Uruguay, northern Argentina, and Colombia. Also known by its older botanical name Feijoa sellowiana.

In the Garden

A versatile, easy to grow landscape addition that evokes either a Mediterranean or tropical character in gardens. Fleshy white flower petals have showy red accents, contrasting nicely with the gray green foliage. The coloring of its foliage also complements western natives that have very pale, gray or hairy foliage. Can be planted as a background or specimen for the flowers. In warm climates use as a fruit tree in orchards.

Characteristics:

Moderate grower to 10 to 15 ft. tall and wide.

Flowers start to bloom in early Summer (from April to May), followed in late summer or fall by sweet, fragrant, reddish fruit that drops to the ground when ripe. Both of its flowers and fruits are edible.

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Caring & Growing

Pineapple guava are easily grown in a variety of soil types. It does well with minimal pruning and care and typically won’t require much irrigation beyond normal rainfall. It has no major pest or disease problems.

Temperature

Grow pineapple guavas in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 to 11 for the most successful landscaping experience. It withstands winter temperatures as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit

Light

Pineapple Guava performs well in full sun or partial shade.

Soil

It’s adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers a rich, organic, well-drained soil with an acid or slightly alkaline pH. When the pH is too high, the leaves turn yellow.

Watering

While it is considered a drought tolerant plant, newly planted and young trees need regular watering in the absence of rain. Follow a weekly watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. As the tree matures, its drought tolerance increases and needs only occasional watering.

Gardeners who want to enjoy fruit need to water plant regularly regardless if it is established or not. Keep a consistently moist soil and do not let dry out between watering. Adequate water is essential for good fruit production.

Fertilization

Pineapple guava needs light fertilization every other month in most soils. Feed with a general purpose (8-8-8) fertilizer before new growth begins in spring, scratch it into the surface of the soil and water deeply to distribute the fertilizer.

Misc. Maintaince

The tree is very easy to care for and requires very little pruning. For a tidy, neat appearance, shear annually to shape.

Asclepias curassavica

Boodflower (Asclepias curassavica), also commonly known as tropical milkweed, is a flowering plant species that is native to the American tropics and has a pantropical distribution as an introduced species. Other common names include cotton bush, Mexican butterfly weed, redhead,scarlet milkweed and wild ipecacuanha.

It is grown as an ornamental garden plant and as a source of food for butterflies. Wide arrays of butterflies are attracted to blood flower. Notably, it attracts members of the Danainae subfamily, such as the Monarch and the Queen. Monarch larvae and adults specifically rely on Asclepias for food and defense. When their young eat the foliage they become distasteful to predators. Hummingbirds and bees are also regular visitors to the showy flowers.

Cultivar ‘Red Butterfly’

The Red Butterfly are vigorous growers with brightly colored flower clusters in red, yellow that are darker than average. The stems are sturdy and flowers excellent for cutting. Tolerant of lean, unimproved soil, it is easy to care and provides wonderful color. Ideal for naturalized areas, meadows, and borders.

In the Garden

The cultivar ‘Red Butterfly’ of Indian bloodflower, sometimes called butterfly weed, are vigorous growers with brightly colored flower clusters in red, yellow that are darker than average. The stems are sturdy and flowers excellent for cutting.

It is native to Mexico and South America and has naturalized throughout subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. Hummingbirds and bees are also regular visitors to the showy flowers. Clusters of attractive buds open to bright scarlet-red and yellow flowers.

Warning

When cut or bruised, the plant’s stems and leaves exude a milky sap which contains the chemical cardenolide. This chemical is known to be toxic to both humans and animals alike. Consider wearing gloves and eye goggles when working with these plants to avoid possible physical contact to skin and eyes.

Caring & Growing

Temperature

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 – 11. Bloodflower is cold sensitive and may not return in the coldest locations.

Light

Tolerate both full sun or partial shade.

Soil

It is Adaptable to most unimproved, weak acidic/alkaline soil that is well drained.

Watering

Needs regular watering: either weekly, or more often in extreme heat.

Fertilization

Apply light fertilizer for fastest growth. However be aware that fertilizing the plants increases the levels of toxic cardenolides in the plant. This may have a negative effect if it was grown as a butterfly garden as elevated level of cardenolides can stunt or kill butterfly caterpillars.

Misc. Maintenance Tips

Deadhead regularly to ensure flowers blossoming into fall.

Plants may self-sow, so remove their seedpods before they open if you don’t want any unexpected additions to your garden.

Alyogyne huegelii

Otherwise known as the Blue Hibiscus, Alyogyne huegelii is neither blue nor a member of the hibiscus family. The alternative names of Lilac Hibiscus and Purple Hibiscus more accurately represent the flower color.

Alyogyne huegelii is an evergreen shrub with an upright arching form, dark green leaves and large, glossy flowers. It is native to the Southwest botanical province of Western Australia, extending along its entire coastline. If properly cared for, the plant can grow to about 6 feet in height and breadth.

In the Garden

Blue Hibiscus has an upright habit and deeply cut and pubescent dark green leaves. It blooms nearly all year and the flowers are 4-5 inches across with large luminescent petals that fade after a few days. It can be used as a specimen or container plant.

Scale & aphids can be a serious problem with this plant.

Needs protecting from wind.

Caring & Growing

Temperature

USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 – 10

Light

Grow Blue Hibiscus at a location that receives full sun through the majority of the day. If necessary, the plant can withstand short periods of shade during the day.

Soil

Will tolerate sand, loam or clay soils as long as they are well drained. Can also tolerate alkaline conditions.

Cover the newly planted bush with a heavy layer of mulch. Choose a fast-decomposing, nutrient-rich mulch to provide all the nutrients this hearty shrub requires. Mulch also moderates temperatures around the root ball and holds in moisture.

Watering

Provide the blue hibiscus with enough water to saturate the ground thoroughly immediately after planting. Water the plant enough to saturate the ground three to four days later, one week later and again two weeks later. Once the plant is established, it requires only supplementary watering during periods of extreme drought.

Fertilization

The blue hibiscus generally thrives without the need for fertilizer.

Misc. Maintenance Tips

Prune the plant to maintain its size and appearance and to promote flowering. Prune it hard after flowering or prune frequently and lightly during flowering season will result in a denser, more compact plant.